Sustainable Strategy for Algae Biomass Waste Management via Development of Novel Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers Composites

Abstract

This work concerns the waste management method of algae biomass wastes (ABW). For this purpose, we prepared bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (bio-TPU) composites. Algae biomass wastes are derived from algal oil extraction of Chlorella vulgaris and from biomass of Enteromorpha and Zostera marina. ABWs were used in the bio-TPUs composites as a filler in the quantity of 1, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%. The bio-based composites were prepared via the in situ method. Polymer matrix was synthesized from a bio-based polyester polyol, diisocyanate mixture (composed of partially bio-based and synthetic diisocyanates), and bio-based 1,3 propanediol. In this study, the chemical structure, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of prepared composites were investigated. Based on the conducted research, it was determined that the type and the content of algae waste influence the properties of the bio-based polyurethane matrix. In general, the addition of algae biomass wastes led to obtain materials characterized by good mechanical properties and noticeable positive ecological impact by increasing the total amount of green components in prepared bio-TPU-based composites from 68.7% to 73.54%.

Biobased Ultralow-Density Polyurethane Foams with Enhanced Recyclability

“…The FTIR spectra of the obtained PUR foams show all bands typical for linkages in the PUR foams: N–H stretching vibrations at 3340 cm –1 , CO stretching vibrations corresponding to urethane and ester (1750 cm –1 ) and disubstituted urea (1600 cm –1 ) linkages, and N–H and C–N vibrations of urethane and disubstituted urea bonds at ∼1500 cm –1 (Figure S6). A characteristic band for NCO groups at 2300 cm –1 reflects the presence of unreacted isocyanates due to the incomplete reaction. Unreacted isocyanate groups are a typical feature of rigid and semirigid PUR foams undergoing vitrification during the cross-link reaction due to steric hindrance of the reactive sites preventing a complete reaction between the isocyanate and hydroxyl groups …”

Structure–Property Relationship and Multiple Processing Studies of Novel Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers

“…The valence vibration of C-O-C was observed in the range of 1106–1097 cm −1 and resulted from the presence of ether groups in the bio-polyol. Signals representing the asymmetric (2930–2915 cm −1 ) and symmetric (2850–2860 cm −1 ) vibrations of the methylene group can be found in all spectra [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. The differences in the wavenumber ranges of each characteristic bond vibrations for the bio-TPU are included in Table 2 .…”

Green Synthesis of Bioplastics from Microalgae: A State-of-the-Art Review

“…For instance, Phung Hai et al [99] synthesized novel polyols from Nannochloropsis salina as a building block for the production of polyurethane foam. In addition, algal oil extraction from Chlorella vulgaris and Enteromorpha has been shown to result in the formation of biobased thermoplastic PU elastomers [100]. Marlina et al [101] synthesized algal-based PU film from a casting solution of polyol particles (from Chaetomorpha linum) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.…”

“…Polyurethane is employed as a thermoplastic material in medical devices, sealants and elastomers, adhesives, and rigid insulation foams in walls and roofs [95,103]. In addition, this polymer is used in various industries, such as automotive, electronic, construction, textile, and packaging [100].…”